Support local retailers as well as Georgia-based companies by shopping at independent businesses this Christmas. Big box stores are great for some things, but the following seven companies are successful because local consumers purchase their products which range from a city-repping sweatshirt to candles with flavorful fragrances such as mimosa and mandarin to a cocktail class with options throughout 2020. Some goods are available in stores while others are online exclusives. Whether you’re in metro Atlanta or elsewhere, the gifts are still good to give.
Rep your city
Rep Atlanta with a sweatshirt that reads, "Atlannuh," the way locals pronounce their city. Locally designed by Rosser Riddle, the French terry sweatshirt has raglan-sleeves and is sized as unisex so anyone can wear it, regardless of where they are from. What matters is that you love them — the sweatshirt and city. Available in-store and online. $65-$72. Citizen Supply, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 678-705-9145, citizensupply.com.
Yummy scents
She's a food blogger turned lifestyle expert. And now, Atlanta-based Erica Key, better known for her company Eating with Erica, adds entrepreneur to her title with a line of food-inspired candles. All seven EWE candles are eco-friendly, renewable, sustainable and smell delicious thanks to fragrances such as mimosa and mandarin, golden rose and pineapple cilantro. To instantly give a room a fresh, fruity smell, opt for a room spray like pomegranate cider. $10.50-$36.30. eatingwitherica.com.
Works of art
Famou Pecou, a local artist with domestic and international accolades whose work often addresses historic and contemporary experiences of black people, offers a limited number of prints from his collection, "Real Negus Don't Die." Pecou painted himself in the background; in the foreground are portraits of entertainers like Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur or social justice figures such as Malcolm X, Sandra Bland and Trayvon Martin. The 18-by-24-inch prints also display messages. For instance, Smalls' reads "Baby Baby" while Bland's one indicates "Light Them Up." Each image is an edition of 25 and is numbered and signed by Pecou. Art aficionados and those who want to own exclusive pieces now (as in, before pieces are only available for viewing in museums) will appreciate this present. $175. fahamupecouart.com.
Custom stationery
With life so instant via social media, it's nice to have something to hold on to, like paper. Enter Maison de Papier, an Atlanta-based company that produces paper products ranging from disposable place mats to calendars to religious verse cards. One great find is the marriage prayer, which reads, "…. Help us to be reminded daily that our commitment to each other is based on this sacred covenant, not … fleeting feelings or emotions." Prices vary. maisondepapier.com.
Cocktail class
The award-winning bar team at Gunshow will teach you how to mix cool cocktails during Shaken and Stirred, a themed class. Six classes will be available throughout 2020 including Home Bar 101; Summer: How to use, preserve and drink the best of the season; and Champagne Wishes, Party Punches and Fireside Dreams. Each class includes admittance, cocktails and snacks, a recipe booklet and limited edition branded shaker pint. $75 per class. 924 Garrett St., Atlanta. gunshowatl.com.
Goodie basket
A Keep Calm basket from Lucy's Market can inspire relaxation with products such as bath salt and fizz as well as silk sachets. With generous-sized salt and fizz, gift recipients can take a time out to soak during the holiday season and beyond. $100. 56 E. Andrews Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-869-9222, lucysmarket.com.
Just bee-cause
For beehive-based ingredients like beeswax, royal jelly, propolis and honey, shop Savannah Bee Company which offers beauty, lifestyle and food products. The original honey almond beeswax hand cream is great for keeping hands moisturized, especially through the cool temperature holiday season. Other beauty products include lip balm, multiuse salve and hand soap. T-shirts and totes are available as well as flavored honey gift sets and honey straws. 1100 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta. 404-343-1568, savannahbee.com.
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